Merewether Man Charged After Break and Enter Arrest

17 October 2024

Police have arrested and charged a 24-year-old man following a break and enter incident in Merewether. The incident took place early on Saturday, 12th October 2024, when occupants of a home on Rowan Crescent were startled awake by noises coming from inside their residence.

The homeowners discovered an unknown man in their kitchen. After a brief confrontation, the intruder fled, taking several valuable items with him. Despite the initial escape, police were able to track the offender’s movements later that morning. He was caught on CCTV at a nearby supermarket, where he used the victim’s debit card to purchase two mobile phones.

Further investigations revealed footage of the suspect attempting to gain entry to another residence on Rowan Crescent, as well as premises on Henry Street, before the successful break and enter.

Four days after the incident, on Wednesday, 16th October, officers from the Proactive Crime Team were conducting patrols around Fowler Street, Hamilton South, when they spotted the suspect. After a brief foot chase, the man was apprehended and taken into custody at Newcastle Police Station.

He has been charged with several offences, including ‘Break and enter dwelling,’ ‘Enter land with intent to commit indictable offence,’ ‘Aggravated break and enter,’ and ‘Dishonestly obtain financial advantage.’ A search warrant was executed at his residence, leading to the discovery of several items of interest related to the crimes.

The man was denied bail and appeared in Newcastle Local Court that same day, where he was formally refused bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for 11th December 2024.